Area Opinions

State must pay for new water plan

Texas lawmakers approved a dynamic state water plan more than 14 years ago. But as with many state issues, funding is an unsolved problem.

The Express-News reported that within decades — unless new water resources are funded — 83 percent of the state’s population will not have adequate water supplies during times of drought.

Some cities and regions, such as San Antonio and the Edwards Aquifer region, have been striving to address the issue on their own. However, state involvement is necessary because the Texas population is expected to double by 2050 and cooperation is crucial.

The Express-News reported an estimated $53 billion in state investment is needed by 2060, according to the water plan passed in 1997. Additionally, the plan “identifies $142 billion in capital costs for water treatment and distribution projects and flood control.”

State government is under extreme financial stress due to the sluggish economy, but lawmakers must confront water supply funding needs at some point in the near future.

From transportation to water to education, funding demands continue to grow. But Texans eventually will have to pay the cost for a modern state that meets the needs of a growing population.

San Antonio Express-News

Wildfires are unrelenting foe for state

Fueled by high wind, dry brush and a mean streak that was literally miles wide, wildfires robbed hundreds of Central Texans of their homes and treasured possessions. Fires started Sunday and raced into Monday, stubbornly defying efforts to control them by municipal and volunteer firefighters.

The blazes tested the limits of area firefighting organizations, as the high winds whipping through Central Texas over the weekend fanned wildfires that fed on anything that would burn — homes included.

Getting people out of harm’s way and putting the fires out was the first priority, of course. Accounting of the losses will soon follow.

Fires don’t respect property lines, nor do they bow to political boundaries.

Even more frightening is the suspicion that the dry conditions favor more wildfires in the days, weeks and months ahead.

We can prepare and, meanwhile, we can do what we can to help those among us who have felt a fire’s wrath.